Released on = February 27, 2006, 1:53 am

Press Release Author = Ms. Papita Saha

Industry = Environment

Press Release Summary = Water Quality Index (WQI) is a single value indicator of the
water quality. It integrates the data pool generated after allocating due weights to
the different parameters. The present study of WQI is based on the analysis of
samples of water collected from various locations along the stretch of Tolly's
Nullah from Hastings to Kudghat at various seasons during a year. WQI is
subsequently formulated by DELPHI process and the results obtained for each sample
tested, is reported. It has been observed that, of the various parameters tested,
the individual values, varied quite widely. But the same when reflected to a single
value indicator like WQI, their values varied quite narrowly. Thus it becomes quite
convenient to opine on the quality of the water tested with respect to its pollution
level.

Press Release Body = The quality of water is assessed with the help of various
physical and chemical parameters to adjudicate its pollution level. It is quite
likely that any sample of water will exhibit various levels of contamination with
respect to the different parameters tested4. Consequently, the sample of water may
be termed as pollution - free based on certain parameters, but may have to be termed
as polluted based on other parameters. Hence it becomes difficult, if not
impossible, to label the water as fit or unfit for use for a particular service. In
water resource management, where classification and comparison of different water
resources on the basis of water quality is often prerequisite, it will be more
convenient to integrate the data pool in a proper manner to describe the same by a
single number to reflect the water quality status. Water Quality Index (WQI) serves
this purpose. The Procedure used in formulating the Water Quality Index in this
study is DELPHI process.
Tolly's Nullah which was a navigable canal long ago has now become a slow moving
water body due to deposition of silt on the canal bed through ages. With the
reduction in the volumetric flow of water coupled with the increase in the discharge
of pollutants into the canal the water quality of the canal is gradually
deteriorating. With the steady rise in the inhabitation around the canal area, the
quantum of pollutant discharge into the canal is bound to increase. Proper
identification of the polluting bodies, adoption of pollution abatement measures and
periodic dredging of the canal may be considered to be the need of the hour to save
the canal from becoming a pollutant carrier but instead, turn it into a potentially
navigable stream.

Web Site = http://geocities.com/papitasaha

Contact Details = Papita Saha
Lecturer
Biotechnology Department
ITME College
India